Unbalanced Diet Research Articles

Maternal diet and vulnerability to cognitive impairment in adulthood: possible link with Alzheimer's disease?

Aging is the main risk factor for developing cognitive impairments and associated neurodegenerative diseases. However environmental factors, including nutritional health, are likely to promote or reduce cognitive impairments and neurodegenerative pathologies. An intricate relationship exists between maternal nutrition; and adult eating behavior, metabolic phenotype and cognitive abilities. The objective of the present review was to collect available data suggesting a link between maternal overnutrition and latter impairment of cognitive functions in the progeny, and to related this relationship with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Indeed, cognitive impairments are major behavioral signs of AD. We first reviewed studies showing an association between unbalanced maternal diet and cognitive impairments in the progeny in humans and rodent models. Then we looked for cellular and molecular hallmarks which could constitute a breeding ground for AD in those models. With this end, we focused on synaptic dysfunction, altered neurogenesis, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, and pathological protein aggregation. Finally, we proposed an indirect mechanism linking maternal unbalanced diet and progeny's vulnerability to cognitive impairments and neurodegeneration through promoting metabolic diseases. We also discussed the involvement of progeny's gut microbiota in the maternal diet-induced vulnerability to metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. Further investigations are needed to fully decipher how maternal diet programs the fetus and infant brain. Addressing this knowledge gap would pave the way to precise nutrition and personalized medicine to better handle cognitive impairments in adulthood.

Rearing mealworm larvae with wheat, barley or maize grains as main source of nutrients in unbalanced or balanced substrates

Feeding conditions of mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae for livestock nutrition needs to be optimized. The effects of the cereal offered as main nutrient source on growth performance and composition of T. molitor larvae were evaluated. In Experiment 1 (unbalanced diets), substrates included 80% of wheat (W1), barley (B1) or maize (M1) and 20% wheat straw. In Experiment 2 (balanced diets), substrates were formulated using wheat (W2), barley (B2) or maize (M2) as the main ingredient, combined with wheat bran or straw to contain similar N, starch and NDF contents (19.5, 520, and 270 g/kg DM, respectively). A control substrate based solely on wheat bran was also included in each experiment (C1 and C2). Each treatment was replicated four times in trays containing 24 g of substrate and 60 larvae, and the experimental period lasted for 28 (Experiment 1) or 35 (Experiment 2) days. Larval weight and residual substrate were monitored weekly, and larval chemical composition was analyzed at the end of each experiment. In Experiment 1, feed intake was greatest for B1 and W1, intermediate for C1 and lowest for M1 (P<0.001). However, larval growth was greater for C1 than for B1 and W1, with the lowest rates observed for M1 (P<0.001). Consequently, feed to gain (F:G) ratio was lowest for C1 and highest for M1 (P<0.001). Mortality was also greatest for M1 (P<0.001). In Experiment 2, feed intake (P<0.001) and larval growth (P<0.01) decreased in M2 compared to B2 and W2, which in turn showed similar growth performance to C2 (P<0.001). Larval composition followed a similar trend in both experiments, with the highest N content observed in larvae fed C1 and C2 (P<0.001), while DM and ether extract contents were higher in larvae reared on barley (P<0.001). In summary, maize-based substrates may compromise feed intake and growth performance of T. molitor larvae compared to those based on wheat or barley, regardless of the nutrient content of the diet. Apparently, larval performance does not respond to the substrate starch content but it might be influenced by the endosperm physical structure. Additionally, a lower N content in the substrate could impair growth performance, an effect that is alleviated once larval protein requirements are achieved. Larval composition was affected by the main dietary ingredient, with substrates based on wheat bran increasing the N content of larvae, whereas those based on barley resulted in increased DM and EE contents.

Effect of Consuming Papaya Leaves, Almond Milk, Green Beans, Moringa Leaves, Ajwa Dates, Soy Milk, and Fennel Leaves on Breast Milk Production in Postpartum Mothers

Exclusive breastfeeding rates are often low due to suboptimal breast milk production, which impedes infants' nutritional needs. This issue is frequently attributed to poor maternal nutrition, unbalanced diets, and irregular food consumption. Breast milk production relies on hormonal changes, notably the dominance of prolactin over progesterone and estrogen during childbirth. To address this, a study was conducted to evaluate the impact of specific foods boiled papaya leaves, almond milk, green beans, moringa leaves, ajwa dates, soy milk, and fennel leaves—on breast milk production. Employing a quasi-experimental design with a one-group pretest-posttest approach, the study involved 56 postpartum mothers whose milk production was substandard. These participants were selected in March 2023 using purposive non-probability sampling. A paired t-test was performed for bivariate analysis. Results indicated a significant improvement in milk production, with a p-value of 0.000, demonstrating that the consumption of these foods positively affects lactation. Consequently, it is recommended that breastfeeding mothers incorporate these foods into their diet to enhance milk production and support exclusive breastfeeding. Regular consumption of these specific foods can help meet infants' nutritional needs more effectively.

Prevalence and determinants of healthy and balanced diet among office workers in a sedentary working environment: evidence from Southern Sri Lanka

BackgroundAn unhealthy diet is a key risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCD), which account for a significant number of premature deaths and disability-adjusted life years worldwide. Office workers are reported to have unhealthy and unbalanced diets, while being sedentary due to the nature of their work, placing them at a greater risk of NCD. This study aimed to determine dietary intake and associated factors among sedentary office workers in Southern Sri Lanka.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 518 sedentary workers in 20 offices in the Galle district. Socio-demographic, health and work-related factors and dietary practices were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. Twenty-four-hour dietary recall was used to assess dietary intake, which was converted into the number of servings from each food group. Healthy dietary intake was defined as ‘adherence to the numbers of servings recommended in Food Based Dietary Guidelines for Sri Lankans for more than three food groups including cereal and cereal-based foods, fruits, and vegetables, with the consumption of one or no unhealthy food per day’.ResultsOnly 4.6% (n = 24) of the participants consumed a healthy diet, while a considerable proportion had the recommended intake of cereal-based foods, vegetables and fish, meat and pulses (65.3%, 65.8% and 50.8%, respectively). Intake of fruits, dairy products, nuts and seeds was low among the participants. Meal skipping and group eating were significantly associated with an overall unhealthy diet. Stratified analysis showed sex as an effect modifier for the association between group eating and unhealthy diet. In multivariate analysis, none of the factors showed a significant association with healthy dietary intake.ConclusionsThe dietary intake of sedentary office workers was not up to the recommendations. Meal skipping and group eating were associated with unhealthy dietary intake. This study recommends introducing interventions to improve the intake of fruits, dairy products, nuts, and seeds for sedentary office workers.

HUBUNGAN POLA MAKAN DAN AKTIVITAS FISIK DENGAN KONTROL GLUKOSA DARAH PADA PENDERITA DM TIPE 2 DI RSUD CUT NYAK DHIEN MEULABOH

Diabetes mellitus sufferers have a high mortality rate and it is related to blood glucose control and lifestyle factors. Diabetes mellitus must be controlled routinely and sufferers must know the type of blood glucose control they have. Most sufferers' lifestyle factors include unbalanced diet and physical activity patterns. This study aims to determine the relationship between diet and physical activity with blood glucose control in type 2 DM sufferers at Cut Nyak Dhien Hospital, Meulaboh. This research is a type of quantitative descriptive research with a cross sectional design. The number of respondents was 68 patients using total sampling technique. The data obtained was processed statistically using the chi-square formula. Based on the results of the analysis, it was found that the majority had the characteristics of an average age of elderly 46-55 years (45.6%), gender was predominantly female (55.9%), high school respondent education (36.8%), housewife respondent's occupation (29.4%), glucose control uncontrolled blood pressure (61.8%), unhealthy diet (76.5%), low physical activity pattern (58.8%). The results of the study explain that there is a significant relationship between diet and activity patterns and blood sugar control with p-values ​​= 0.001 and 0.029 (p-value &lt;0.05), respectively. It is recommended that people with type 2 diabetes mellitus be given education regarding what factors can trigger an increase in blood sugar levels.

Changes in tumor and cardiac metabolism upon immune checkpoint.

Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the leading causes of death in the Western world. The associated risk factors are increased by smoking, hypertension, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, aging, unbalanced diet, and alcohol consumption. Therefore, the study of cellular metabolism has become of increasing importance, with current research focusing on the alterations and adjustments of the metabolism of cancer patients. This may also affect the efficacy and tolerability of anti-cancer therapies such as immune-checkpoint inhibition (ICI). This review will focus on metabolic adaptations and their consequences for various cell types, including cancer cells, cardiac myocytes, and immune cells. Focusing on ICI, we illustrate how anti-cancer therapies interact with metabolism. In addition to the desired tumor response, we highlight that ICI can also lead to a variety of side effects that may impact metabolism or vice versa. With regard to the cardiovascular system, ICI-induced cardiotoxicity is increasingly recognized as one of the most life-threatening adverse events with a mortality of up to 50%. As such, significant efforts are being made to assess the specific interactions and associated metabolic changes associated with ICIs to improve both efficacy and management of side effects.

Combination of flaxseed and clarified tomato juice in bread: Delayed effect on metabolic disorders during long-term unbalanced diet in an in vivo experiment.

The objective of study was to evaluate the biological effects occurring in the animal body in conditions of a regular consumption of bread with a combination of flaxseed and clarified tomato juice in its composition. The animals (Soviet Chinchilla breed) were randomly distributed between six groups. Group 1 is intact animals. The food of Group 2 (control) included traditional bread. Animals of experimental groups were fed as follows: bread, in which 75% of water were replaced with clarified tomato juice (Group 3); bread with the addition of 20% of flaxseed, soaked beforehand in clarified tomato juice (Group 4); bread similar to Group 4, but juice with dissolved flaxseed hydrocolloids was used during dough kneading (Group 5); bread similar to Group 4, but instead of juice, drinking water was used (Group 6). We studied blood biochemistry. After 6 months, we took liver samples and identified the ratio of muscle, fat, bone, and connective tissues. We established that the introduction of clarified tomato juice into the bread recipe yielded a decrease in cholesterol and creatinine levels (p = .029 and p = .031, respectively), while the addition of flaxseed soaked in water can promote the activation of protective effects against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via reducing the levels of bilirubin (p = .040) and transaminases (p = .013) in the blood of experimental animals. The introduction of a combination of flaxseed and clarified tomato juice into the bread recipe in conjunction with its daily consumption contributed to the manifestation of protective effects for the liver of rabbits.

Study of knowledge, attitudes and practices of complementary feeding among caregivers of children from 6 to 23 months of age from a rural community of Ecuador: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction. Nutritional deficiency due to an unbalanced diet is one of the most important factors contributing to stunting or the development of comorbidities in infants. Poverty, lack of knowledge about complementary feeding (CF) schedules, or lack of information accessibility are among the major causes that affect nutritional status. Our objective was to investigate the association of caregivers' knowledges, attitudes, and CF practices with the nutritional status of children aged 6 to 23 months attending the Camilo Ponce Enriquez Health Center from October to December 2022. Methods: An observational study was conducted. Information from caregivers of 137 children aged from 6 to 23 months (mean age 12.66 ± 5.00, 51.82% female) was analyzed. The data collection process was carried out through the application of the KAP survey of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), which first includes a socio-demographic survey consisting of 10 questions, 7 of which obtain information from the caregiver and 3 oriented to obtain data from the child. Informed consensus was obtained previous to the survey application. Information on the nutritional status was obtained from the medical history data provided by the nursing department. Pearson's Chi-squared test was applied to establish whether or not there was an association between the nutritional variables. Results: 55.96% of caregivers had appropriate CF practices. Meanwhile, 77.89% and 77.55% had adequate knowledge and attitudes about CF. A statistically significant association (p &lt; 0.05) was found between nutritional diagnosis and maternal CF knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Conclusions: The knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the target population reached a moderate level, laying the foundation for the study of risk factors, as well as educational strategies to prevent malnutrition.

Main factors of cognitive decline in older adults: a review of scientific literature

Cognitive impairment in older adults is a multifactorial problem that significantly affects their quality of life and poses challenges to public health systems. Vascular, metabolic, inflammatory, and lifestyle factors play a central role in its development and progression. The objective of this study was to identify the main factors associated with cognitive impairment in older adults through a bibliographic review. A systematic review of the literature was conducted in PubMed using a search algorithm that included terms related to cognitive impairment, risk factors, and the older adult population. Studies published between 2018 and 2024 that met pre-established criteria were selected. The results showed that arterial hypertension is one of the most important risk factors, associated with alterations in cerebral microcirculation, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, and neuroinflammation. Other relevant factors include unhealthy lifestyle patterns, such as physical inactivity, unbalanced diets, and poor sleep quality, which exacerbate systemic inflammation and cognitive impairment. Additionally, mixed pathologies, such as the coexistence of Alzheimer’s disease and small vessel disease, underscore the need for comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Multidomain strategies based on lifestyle changes and vascular risk factor control have shown promising results in preserving cognition. This study concludes that identifying and addressing modifiable factors through an integrated preventive approach is essential to reduce the incidence of cognitive impairment and improve the quality of life of older adults

β-Carotene Impacts the Liver MicroRNA Profile in a Sex-Specific Manner in Mouse Offspring of Western Diet-Fed Mothers: Results from Microarray Analysis by Direct Hybridization.

Maternal unbalanced diets cause adverse metabolic programming and affect the offspring's liver microRNA (miRNA) profile. The liver is a site of β-carotene (BC) metabolism and a target of BC action. We studied the interaction of maternal Western diet (WD) and early-life BC supplementation on the epigenetic remodeling of offspring's liver microRNAs. Mouse offspring of WD-fed mothers were given a daily placebo (controls) or BC during suckling. Biometric parameters and liver miRNAome by microarray hybridization were analyzed in newly weaned animals. BC sex-dependently impacted the liver triacylglycerol content. The liver miRNAome was also differently affected in male and female offspring, with no overlap in differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs between sexes and more impact in females. Bioinformatic analysis of DE miRNA predicted target genes revealed enrichment in biological processes/pathways related to metabolic processes, regulation of developmental growth and circadian rhythm, liver homeostasis and metabolism, insulin resistance, and neurodegeneration, among others, with differences between sexes. Fifty-five percent of the overlapping target genes in both sexes identified were targeted by DE miRNAs changed in opposite directions in males and females. The results identify sex-dependent responses of the liver miRNA expression profile to BC supplementation during suckling and may sustain further investigations regarding the long-term impact of early postnatal life BC supplementation on top of an unbalanced maternal diet.

Assessment of the knowledge on nutrology among medical course students: an observational cross-sectional study

Introduction: An unbalanced diet is responsible for more deaths than any other risk factor, including smoking. By definition, Nutrology is the medical specialty whose function is to prevent, diagnose and treat nutroneurometabolic diseases. As it is a relatively new specialty, it has not yet become part of the basic curriculum as a mandatory subject in most medical schools. This fact means that students have little or no contact with the specialty during their academic training. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge on Nutrology among medical students. Methods: An observational and cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the knowledge of students enrolled in the Ugraft Journey of the Plastic Surgery Leagues of Rio Grande do Sul. Data collection took place through the application of an online questionnaire comprising 14 questions. Results: A total of 170 participants spanning across all semesters of the course, representing 7 universities (UFSM, UFCSPA, UFN, UFAL, Unoeste, Univates, and Unijuí). The participants were aged between 18 and 43 years old, 114 were female and 56 were male. In regard to the question of which course Nutrology is a part of, 84.1% answered Medicine, 14.7% answered Nutrition, and 1.2% answered another course. Additionally, 67.6% stated that they do not know or are not sure about the area of activity of Nutrology, while only 17.6% have already consulted a Nutrologist. Concerning the significance of dietary guidance and supplementation during the pre- and post-operative phases of surgery, 98.2% deemed it advantageous for the patient. When it came to distinguishing between the various indications for oral dietary supplementation, enteral, or parenteral therapy, 74.7% did not know how to differentiate them. Regarding the safety of prescribing a food supplement, 90% do not feel able to do so. As for the meaning of the acronym MNTT, 93% are unaware. Regarding obesity being a chronic disease, 92.4% agreed. Regarding the desire to undertake a residency in Nutrology, 12.9% expressed interest. Finally, regarding the importance of the subject of Nutrology in the curriculum, 94% considered it important. Conclusion: Despite the increasing prevalence of nutrition-related diseases and the evidence showing that poor diet is responsible for more deaths than any other risk factor, studies have observed that the majority of medical students feel unprepared regarding the subject. The findings of this study could serve as motivation for institutions to reconsider the significance of incorporating the discipline of Nutrology into the medical curriculum.

Influence of Nutrition on Growth and Development of Metabolic Syndrome in Children.

Obesity is currently an increasing public health burden due to its related metabolic and cardiovascular complications. In Western countries, a significant number of people are overweight or obese, and this trend is, unfortunately, becoming increasingly common even among the pediatric population. In this narrative review, we analyzed the role of nutrition during growth and its impact on the risk of developing metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular complications later in life. An impactful role in determining the phenotypic characteristics of the offspring is the parental diet carried out before conception. During intrauterine growth, the main risk factors are represented by an unbalanced maternal diet, excessive gestational weight gain, and impaired glycemic status. Breastfeeding, on the other hand, has many beneficial effects, but at the same time the quality of breast milk may be modified if maternal overweight or obesity subsists. Complementary feeding is likewise pivotal because an early introduction before 4 months of age and a high protein intake contribute to weight gain later. Knowledge of these mechanisms may allow early modification of risk factors by implementing targeted preventive strategies.

Breastfeeding duration, children’s diet and physical activity in immigrant children living in Lisbon

Abstract Background In 2023, 25% of children born in the Lisbon metropolitan area were from foreign mothers. Children of immigrant parents often face an unbalanced diet and unhealthy lifestyle, preventing them from reaching their full potential. The aim of this study was to analyse the associations between migrant status and breastfeeding duration, fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity in children living in the Lisbon metropolitan area, Portugal. Methods Cross-sequential cohort study in Lisbon Region. Between May 2022 and April 2024, 729 children (49.4% immigrants) born in 2018 and 2020 were enrolled in the study. Data were collected in a face-to-face interview with the parents using a structured questionnaire with information on children’s diet (fruit and vegetable consumption) and physical activity. We used X2, Mann-Whitney U and t-tests to compare immigrant and non-immigrant children. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with a 5% level were estimated by logistic regression. Results Immigrant children (49.4%) live in socio-economically disadvantaged families. Breastfeeding practices are more common among migrant mothers with a higher median duration of exclusive breastfeeding (6 versus 4 months, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and a higher median duration of breastfeeding (14 versus 8 months, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Parental migration background is associated with the frequency of fruit (p = 0.039) and vegetable (p &amp;lt; 0.01) consumption and with the practice of physical activity (p &amp;lt; 0.01). The odds of consuming three or more portions of fruit are 1.37 times higher for non-immigrant children, and the odds of consuming two portions of vegetables are higher for non-immigrants than immigrants (aOR=2.04, p &amp;lt; 0.01). Practicing sports is most frequent in non-immigrants (aOR =2.25; p &amp;lt; 0.01). Conclusions Migrant status was associated with a less healthy lifestyle in childhood for children living in the Lisbon metropolitan area. Key messages • Breastfeeding is an essential source of nutrition for children, especially in socio-economically disadvantaged families. • The migrant status is often associated with inequalities in childhood, challenging immigrant children to achieve their full potential.

Relationship Of Stress Level and Eating Patterns With Nutritional Status In Class X Adolescents At SMA Negeri 1 Surabaya Post Implementation Of The Independent Curriculum

Indonesian adolescents are at risk of stress due to the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum. An unbalanced diet is also a common problem among adolescents, affecting their nutritional status and health. To determine the relationship between stress levels and dietary patterns with nutritional status in grade X adolescents at SMA Negeri 1 Surabaya after the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum. This study is included in observational analytical research, with survey and questionnaire interview. data was conducted through filling out consent forms by respondents and anthropometric measurements and questionnaire interviews with grade X students at SMAN 1 Surabaya who have agreed to be respondents. The study shows that nutritional status is not related to a person's stress level, that stress does not cause a person's nutritional status to be problematic. However, there is a relationship between diet and status. Based on the results, there is no relationship between stress levels and nutritional status, while diet and nutritional status show a relationship in grade X adolescents at SMAN 1 Surabaya after the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum. It is recommended that both students and schools emphasize balanced diets tailored to nutritional needs and foster stress management practices both at school and home.

A Perspective on the Interaction Between Recurrent Lower Urinary Tract Infections and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Given the potential overlap in risk factors associated with both irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and lower urinary tract infections (LUTIs), we aimed to identify factors that may contribute to the development of both conditions, as well as recurrent lower urinary tract infections (RLUTIs). Our research also sought to explore overlapping symptoms and interactions between these two disorders. The study included young women with a history of urinary tract infections. Participants were divided into three groups: women with sporadic LUTIs (NRLUTIs), women with recurrent LUTIs (RLUTIs), and women with both a history of urinary infections (NRLUTI or RLUTI) and a diagnosis of IBS. The diagnosis of IBS is primarily clinical, relying on symptoms and the exclusion of other gastrointestinal disorders. Data from intestinal microbiota tests were combined with information on patients' symptom perception, dietary habits, lifestyle, and knowledge regarding their conditions. Abdominal pain, constipation, insufficient knowledge about antibiotic and probiotic use, and nutritionally unbalanced diets were identified as common factors associated with both LUTI-IBS and RLUTI. Our research identified shared risk factors between LUTI, IBS, and RLUTI, suggesting a pathological interdependence between these conditions. Notably, women with RLUTIs often experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain and constipation after consuming foods known to trigger IBS. This highlights that gut dysbiosis is both a risk factor and a potential consequence of RLUTI. The presence of either condition appears to exacerbate the symptoms of the other, further underscoring the intricate connection between RLUTI and IBS in affected individuals.

Urethral keratosis caused by vitamin A deficiency: two case reports

BackgroundDysuria in children can have various etiologies, including ureteric stones, phimosis, congenital obstructive posterior urethral membrane, and neurogenic bladders. However, there have been no reports of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) causing dysuria due to urethral keratosis. Here, we report two cases of urethral keratosis caused by a VAD.Case presentationAn 8-year-old boy (Patient 1) and a 6-year-old boy (Patient 2) presented with multiple episodes of dysuria and epididymitis. Both patients had intellectual disabilities and autism, which prevented voiding cystourethrography. Therefore, the patient was admitted for cystoscopy under general anesthesia. Cystoscopy revealed urethral diastolic dysfunction and a large amount of desquamated epithelium obstructing the urethra in both patients, causing urinary obstruction and dysuria. Catheterization was repeated; however, the symptoms recurred after catheter removal. Although the cause of recurrent urinary obstruction could not be initially identified, an ophthalmologist found Bitot’s spots and suggested the possibility of a VAD. Serum vitamin A levels were extremely low in both patients, leading to the diagnosis of urethral keratosis due to VAD. VAD can be attributed to an unbalanced diet resulting from intellectual disabilities or autism. Vitamin A replacement therapy improved both the urethral symptoms and cystoscopic findings.ConclusionDysuria due to VAD is extremely rare, and urethral keratosis as a cause of dysuria is likely the first report of its kind worldwide. VAD may develop due to an unbalanced diet in patients with intellectual disabilities or autism. Therefore, it is essential to consider VAD as a potential cause of dysuria in patients with intellectual disabilities and autism.

A vision-based dietary survey and assessment system for college students in China

Understanding the current dietary habits of college students is essential due to the pressing issues of unbalanced diets and insufficient nutrition. However, traditional approaches frequently depend on recollection, which can introduce unconscious bias and make them difficult to implement. Herein, we introduce a new computer vision system to evaluate the dietary habits of college students in China. A specialized food dataset comprising RGB-D images, recipes with ingredient masses, and nutrient composition was created using data collected from college canteens. First, object detection models were utilized to identify food categories and locations. Subsequently, we introduced a method for automatically estimating the food volume of nonstandard portions using position and depth information. The final nutrients were derived directly or indirectly through the database. Experimental results demonstrate the applicability of the YOLOv8 object detection model and volume estimation method to our tasks. To support the development of devices for detecting food intake and diet management, we have made our dataset publicly available. The College Canteen Food-100 dataset is publicly available at https://github.com/zichengzichengzi/CC-FOOD-100.

Middle-aged Central American men’s perceptions of a healthy body weight, excess body weight and its relationship to chronic disease: Qualitative findings

Objective: To explore Central American men’s perceptions of healthy body weight, factors that influence weight gain and increase awareness of being overweight/obese, consequences of excess weight gain and gender similarities and differences in body weight. Design: In-depth, qualitative interviews were conducted with low-income, overweight or obese Central American men residing in the USA ( n = 25). Setting: Semi-structured, individual interviews (via Zoom or phone call) were conducted in Washington, DC in 2020–2021. Methods: Participants discussed their thoughts on the meaning of healthy weight; the role that weight management plays in the likelihood of getting diseases such as diabetes, cancer or hypertension; and whether having a healthy weight is different for men and women. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed to identify themes using NVivo v12. Results: Participants were first-generation immigrants (mean age 50.9 ± 6.4) and had resided in the USA for 23.7 ± 10.2 years. They defined healthy weight as having the energy to carry on daily activities, not carrying extra body fat, being in good physical health, and having a balance between height and weight. Participants discussed having an unbalanced diet, not engaging in physical activity and getting older influenced weight gain. Factors that raised awareness of their weight gain included doctors’ advice and cognisance of their current body weight. Participants in the study discussed the connection between weight status and some chronic diseases (i.e. cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and SARS-CoV-2 virus infection); cancer was the least discussed. Participants discussed that both men and women should have a healthy weight and contributing factors to why men weigh more than women. Conclusion: Health promotion interventions for Central American immigrant men should consider framing weight management as a means to continue fulfilling important social and cultural roles and responsibilities. Future research should examine Central American men’s perceptions of weight management as part of cancer prevention.

Excess dietary sugar and its impact on periodontal inflammation: a narrative review.

Sugar is omnipresent in the current food environment and sugar consumption has drastically risen over the past century. Extensive evidence highlights the negative health consequences of consuming excess dietary sugars, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Heart Association (AHA) to devise guidelines to restrict sugar intake. According to the WHO's Global Oral Health Status Report of 2022, oral diseases and severe periodontitis are a massive public health problem, and dietary sugars are a modifiable risk factor. We conducted a literature review using key databases to summarise the health effects of excessive sugar consumption and their potential role in periodontal inflammation. Available evidence suggests that excess dietary fructose and sucrose can cause low-grade systemic inflammation; and induce dysbiosis in both gut and the oral microbiota. Also, dietary sugar is potentially addictive and hypercaloric and its overconsumption can lead to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and other risk factors for periodontal inflammation. Hence, an unbalanced diet with excess dietary sugars holds the potential to initiate and aggravate periodontal inflammation. In the modern food environment that enables and facilitates a high-sugar diet, adopting a diverse diet and restricting sugar intake according to WHO and AHA guidelines seem beneficial to systemic and periodontal health. Since clinical evidence is limited, future research should study the effectiveness of dietary interventions that control sugar consumption in preventing and managing the global public health problem of periodontal inflammation.

Adolescent Smoking and Its Association with Poor Nutritional Outcomes in Rural Pamekasan, Indonesia

This study investigated the relationship between active smoking and nutritional status among male adolescents aged 14-16 years in Kertagena Tengah Village, Kadur District, Pamekasan, Indonesia. A cross-sectional study design was employed, and a total of 55 adolescents were included using a total sampling technique. Smoking status was assessed using standardized questionnaires, while nutritional status was determined using anthropometric measurements, including body mass index (BMI). The study found that 76% of the adolescents were active smokers, with 69% of them being classified as undernourished. A significant relationship was observed between active smoking and poor nutritional status (p=0.018). The main contributing factors to poor nutritional status included an unbalanced diet, lack of access to nutritious food, and high smoking rates among adolescents. Smoking was found to reduce appetite and interfere with nutrient absorption, exacerbating nutritional deficiencies. The study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive public health interventions, including health education, stricter regulation of cigarette sales to minors, and community support to create a smoke-free environment. Future research should include longitudinal studies to clarify the causal link between smoking and nutritional status, broaden demographic coverage, and incorporate qualitative methods to explore the social and cultural influences on adolescent smoking.